There is a rising interest in goat meat in the country, and by implementing enhanced production methods, the growing demand can be effectively met. Goats are recognized for their resilience and adaptability to diverse environmental conditions, making them a valuable resource for Filipino farmers, especially in regions with limited resources. Improving goat production through advanced management techniques, selective breeding, and proper healthcare practices plays a crucial role in enhancing food security and fostering economic growth.
Goats not only offer nutritious meat and milk but also support agricultural diversification and provide a source of income for small-scale farmers. By prioritizing the enhancement of goat production and management, the Philippines can harness the economic and nutritional advantages that a robust goat industry can bring.
The Agricultural Training Institute - Regional Training Center X (ATI-RTC X) through its Career Development and Management Services (CDMS) recently organized a training program on small ruminant husbandry, specifically on upgraded goat production and its management. The program aimed to impart essential competencies to goat farmers and Agriculture Extension Workers (AEWs) from various provinces, including Misamis Oriental, Lanao del Norte, Bukidnon, and Misamis Occidental.
Attended by 20 Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs), livestock coordinators, and five Learning Site for Agriculture (LSA) operators / goat raisers from Region 10, the training’s primary objective was to provide knowledge and guidance to the training participants regarding the most effective practices for goat production and management.
“For this particular training, the focus was on the optimization of upgraded goats. Ang upgraded goat resulta kini sa cross-breeding sa native goat ug pure breed goats like Anglo Nubian, Saanen and Boer. “Through upgrading, it is a necessary enhancement to produce goats with desired traits, such as higher milk production or better meat quality,” said Animal Science graduate Jeric L. Cabatac, the center’s Training Specialist I.
While the Philippine native goat stands as the predominant breed in the country, the Boer goat breed is renowned globally for its high productivity in meat production, and the Anglo-Nubian excels as the premier dairy goat capable of yielding 2-3 liters of milk daily.
The topic of goat health management ensures the well-being and disease prevention in goats. The said health management system incorporates modern veterinary practices, including disease surveillance, vaccination programs, deworming protocols, and proactive health monitoring. Additionally, it emphasizes optimal nutrition, proper housing conditions, and biosecurity measures to mitigate the risk of illnesses. By prioritizing preventive care and prompt treatment, upgraded goat production health management aims to maximize the overall health and productivity of goat herds, leading to improved welfare and profitability for goat farmers.
Other topics covered during the training proper include Philippine Goat Industry and Goat Enterprise, Breeds and Breeding, Goat Health Management, Feeds and Feeding Management, Housing Design and Management, Waste Management and Utilization.
The three-day event took place at LnM Integrated Farm, which is recognized as one of the accredited Learning Sites for Agriculture (LSA) in Region 10. The farm specializes in producing upgraded goats, and the participants had the opportunity to observe and participate in various field activities such as deworming, vitamin application, silage-making, Urea Molasses Mineral Block (UMMB) making, and vermicomposting.
Dr. Maria Luz Soriano, Dr. Liza Ebuña, and Ms. Leah Salvaleon served as the resource persons. As siblings and livestock champions, they continuously strive to improve the production of small ruminants in the region and share their expertise with other goat farmers. Investing in technology and innovation to enhance breeding, nutrition, housing, and disease management in goat farming can boost productivity and product quality. This strategy has the potential to elevate the standards of goat farming in the country, benefiting farmers and consumers alike.
The Training on Upgraded Goat Production and Management transpired on March 13-15, 2024 at LnM Integrated Farm, Paradise, Cabanglasan, Bukidnon. (co-written by Karlo Jayvert Cardente, Technical Support Staff / with reports from Jeric L. Cabatac, Training Specialist I)
